Checklist: How to create a safer neighbourhood
Do you want to make your community a safer place for everyone? Whether you’re one person, a group of concerned neighbours or part of a community association, there are steps you can take to create a safe neighbourhood. The following approach is based on the SARA model:
Scanning:
- Identify recurring problems of concern to the public and the police.
- Identify the consequences of the problem for the community and the police.
- Prioritize those problems.
- Develop broad goals.
- Confirm that the problems exist.
- Determine how frequently the problem occurs and how long it has been taking place.
- Select problems for closer examination.
Analysis:
- Identify and understand the events and conditions that precede and accompany the problem.
- Identify relevant data to be collected.
- Research what is known about the problem type.
- Take inventory of how the problem is currently addressed and the strengths and limitations of the current response.
- Narrow the scope of the problem as specifically as possible.
- Identify a variety of resources that may be of assistance in developing a deeper understanding of the problem.
- Develop a working hypothesis about why the problem is occurring.
Response:
- Brainstorm for new interventions.
- Search for what other communities with similar problems have done.
- Choose among the alternative interventions.
- Outline a response plan and identifying responsible parties.
- State the specific objectives for the response plan.
- Carry out the planned activities.
Assessment:
- Determine whether the plan was implemented (a process evaluation).
- Collect pre– and post–response qualitative and quantitative data.
- Determine whether broad goals and specific objectives were attained.
- Identify any new strategies needed to augment the original plan.
- Conduct ongoing assessment to ensure continued effectiveness.
If you would like to know more about creating a safer neighbourhood, connect with Crime Prevention Ottawa at cpo@ottawa.ca.
For more information, visit the Centre for Problem-Oriented Policing website.
The Winnipeg Committee for Safety’s Crime Prevention Binder also provides excellent guidance for planning safe neighbourhoods.